Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

What do you think the next chapter of One Book Bradford should be? The members of the One Book Bradford committee are currently accepting nominations for next year’s book. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative where one book is picked for the community to read. Ancillary activities pertaining to the book are planned and the season ends with a visit from the author of the selected book. Earlier this month, author Susan Vreeland, who penned the 2012 selection “Clara and Mr. Tiffany,” traveled to Bradford to discuss the book to a packed audience. Nominations can be sent via e-mail to OneBookBradford@gmail.com . Please include the name of the book, the author’s name as well as the name of the person submitting the nomination. The nomination can be either fiction or nonfiction. Nominations will be accepted until June 5. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Now that everyone has had a chance to finish "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" before author Susan Vreeland's visit to Bradford, I am resuming Book Talk to give you more ideas on what you may want to add to your reading list. Jessica Maria Tuccelli's debut novel "Glow" is about six generations of one family in teh Appalachian South steeped in issues of race, mysticism and history. Listen to my chat with Jessica here . For more information: http://jessicamariatuccelli.com/ In the next few weeks we'll hear from Tilly Bagshawe, author of "Sidney's Sheldon's Angel of the Dark," Susan Mallery, Jack Sussek, Alexandra Hamlet and more. Remember to check out the Bradford Area Public Library ! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fran Runyon (standing) chats with author Susan Vreeland during the finale of the One Book Bradford season of events. Vreeland spoke about her book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and presented a slide show featuring pictures of Tiffany Studios and several of Clara Driscoll's Tiffany lamps. She also talked about how the lamps were made, her inspiration for writing the book and Clara Driscoll herself. Other One Book Bradford events related to "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" included a public book club discussion, a Glass Heritage Luncheon and tours of stained glass windows at three local churches, and a bus trip to Buffalo and East Aurora to see real Tiffany windows. Nearly 200 people attended Tuesday's author visit at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Calling all aspiring writers! You will have the opportunity to work face to face with a New York Times Best Selling author. On Tuesday, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Bradford Area Public Library, author Susan Vreeland will be holding a workshop called "Being a Person upon Whom Nothing is Lost." Vreeland, whose book “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” is this year’s One Book Bradford selection, will discuss attitude, gathering ideas, structure, character development, revision, and the business of writing. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative where one book is selected for the community to read and ancillary activities are planned. Space is limited to 20 seats. Those interested need to pre-register by calling the BAPL by noon Monday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

One Book Bradford hosted a "Tiffany Bus Trip" to Buffalo and East Aurora Saturday so those reading (or who have read) the book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" could gain a greater appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship detailed in the book. The window pictured above is one of five actually signed by Louis Comfort Tiffany in Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in East Aurora. People on the trip also visited Trinity Episcopal Church in Buffalo to see several other Tiffany windows, and some by his main rival, John LaFarge. Rick Richards led the trip, which also included a trip to the famous Viddler's 5&10 in East Aurora. The One Book Bradford season concludes on May 1 with a visit by author Susan Vreeland at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The event is free and open to the public. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Tuesday Trivia Question from St. Bonaventure University -- Where were the windows of the Doyle Chapel manufactured?* -- reminded me that I didn't post pictures from One Book Bradford's Glass Heritage Luncheon held on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church. So, here they are: One of the windows of the sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church. Several glass artists showed off their creations. Pat Shinaberger, Pat Donahue and Cheryl Bazzoui serve up chili to the luncheoners. Another window at the Presbyterian Church. People who attended the event were also able to tour the First United Methodist and St. Bernard's Catholic churches. One Book Bradford events culminate on May 1 when Susan Vreeland, author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany," gives a talk at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. It's free and open to the public. ~~~~~ *Paris, France http://web.sbu.edu/friedsam/archives/chapel/windows.htm The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The next event for One Book Bradford is sure to be a “glass act.” Tickets are now on sale for the Glass Heritage Luncheon, which is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford. This is the second event in this year’s One Book Bradford season, a community-wide reading initiative. This year’s selection is “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. The day, which will consist of a buffet-style lunch of chili, cornbread, dessert, coffee and tea, will also include displays of glass art, including sculptures, panels, mosaics, lamps and tools. Diane Arnett will give a presentation showcasing examples of stained glass and methods of production. The exhibitors are James C. Zetts, Kathleen Karrasch, Gina Zetts, Cheryl Thomas and Arnett. Those interested can also take optional walking tours of churches in the immediate area. Tim Roff will conduct a tour of the First United Methodist Church; Francie Long will do a tour of St. Bernard Catholic Church....

Judy Harris leads Saturday’s Public Book Club meeting of One Book Bradford at the Bradford Area Public Library. Harris spoke about the lead character in this year’s OBB selection, Clara Driscoll of “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. Anne Bouquin also spoke about when Susan B. Anthony visited Bradford. The next OBB event, Glass Heritage Luncheon, will be held March 3 in the First Presbyterian Church. Tickets for that event will be available at Grandma’s House Teas & Gifts on Congress Street. Photo by Sandra Rhodes The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A public book club meeting will start the series of activities for this year’s One Book Bradford season. The public book club, which is open to anyone interested, will take place at 10:30 Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Bradford Area Public Library. Judy Harris will lead the discussion of “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland. The book invites readers to take a look inside the world where Tiffany leaded-glass lamps were created. Many of the masterpieces were that of glass studio manager Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany. Anne Bouquin will also speak briefly of when Susan B. Anthony visited Bradford in 1892. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library. Admission is free. In its fifth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. There are two other events in this year’s One Book Bradford season that leads up to a visit by Vreeland May 1 at the University of...

The fifth season of One Book Bradford is the age of enlightenment, so to speak. “Clara and Mr. Tiffany,” written by California-based author Susan Vreeland, invites readers to take a look inside the world where Tiffany leaded-glass lamps were created – and not by whom you may think. The obvious reference of enlightenment lends itself to Tiffany lamps themselves. However, a little known fact is that the concept and design of the masterpieces were that of glass studio manager Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany. Vreeland delves into a world where Tiffany employs only single females in an effort to shield his business from strikes by an all-male union. These “Tiffany Girls” create the works that he is well known for. In its fifth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. Several activities are held throughout the season, including a visit from the author in the spring. Vreeland is pleased ...